Boulder Reporting Lab

09/10/2025

At a candidate forum this week, Boulder City Council hopefuls split on Iris Avenue and other transportation safety projects.

Several incumbents defended the Core Arterial Network initiative, while challengers questioned cost, design and public input.

09/10/2025

After decades with undrinkable water, San Lazaro mobile home park is trying natural fixes. Residents and local groups installed solar aerators, biochar and bacteria in Cline Pond to curb algae, odor and PFAS. A rare community-led effort where annexation and other efforts have stalled.

Environmental groups and residents are leading an effort to test whether natural solutions can address San Lazaro's water issues.

09/10/2025

Once a pioneer of fast-casual dining, Noodles & Company is struggling in its Boulder birthplace. Rising competition, shifting tastes & fewer kids eating mac & cheese may be to blame. John Lehndorff explores what’s behind the chain’s decline + Boulder food news in this week's BRL Nibbles column.

Our food editor finds pasta bowls falling flat as the Colorado-born chain faces rising competition, shifting tastes — plus food news and more.

09/08/2025

OPINION: "Here in Boulder, we have an opportunity to show what real support looks like — through schools that affirm identity, families that listen and communities that stand up for the safety of every child," Carol Calkins writes.

As the Supreme Court takes up the case, Boulder can show what true support for LGBTQ+ youth looks like.

09/08/2025

Boulder has cut funding for Circle of Care, the nonprofit connecting low-income seniors to 200+ cultural events a year. Founder Joan Raderman warns it may close without new support. Seniors call the program a “lifeline” and plead: “Don’t shut down Circle of Care.”

The nonprofit, which helps seniors combat social isolation through 200 cultural events a year, may close at year’s end without new support.

09/08/2025

Big Bear Baked Potatoes in Longmont has sold thousands of one-pound spuds since opening. With a CSU stadium deal, franchise plans & 6,000 donated meals, founder Eddy Ellson is betting big on comfort food, and giving back.

With a CSU stadium deal and franchise plans in the works, Big Bear’s founder is betting big on comfort food — and giving back.

09/05/2025

A woman active in Gaza-related disruptions at Boulder City Council meetings has been charged with felony retaliation and misdemeanor harassment after two confrontations, the City of Boulder said. All charges are allegations.

Police say the charges stem from two confrontations, including a Sept. 3 incident near Canyon Blvd.

09/05/2025

Serving handmade pastries, artisan breads and French-inspired lunches, Maisonette brings new life to a renovated space on Walnut Street.

09/05/2025

Boulder is moving to ease short-term rental rules for Sundance 2027. City council advanced a preliminary “festival lodging” license: up to 29 days, includes ADUs and some affordable units, and could add 1,000-plus rentals by 2027.

The 11-day festival is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, far exceeding the city’s hotel capacity.

09/04/2025

BVSD is redrawing school boundaries for the first time in 40 years to boost low-enrollment schools. But with 36% of families opting out — and Boulder’s high housing costs pushing many out — will new maps matter?

The district hopes new maps will help balance enrollment, but Colorado’s open enrollment law limits how much boundaries matter.

09/04/2025

A 1932 courthouse fire sparked Boulder’s Art Deco era — shaping landmarks like the Boulder Theater & Boulder High. This is the debut column from local historian Silvia Pettem, now writing for BRL. Read her first piece:

A 1932 fire led to a new county courthouse, and a design wave that shaped downtown landmarks like the Boulder Theater and Boulder High.

09/04/2025

Ironwood Bar & Grille is changing the golf-course dining game at Boulder’s Flatirons Golf Course — from croissants & tapas to a killer cheeseburger with a view. Read John Lehndorff’s latest Nibbles on Boulder’s fall dining scene:

From Ironwood’s debut to Half Fast Subs’ comeback and King Arthur’s pop-up, a wave of openings, classes and festivals is reshaping Boulder County’s dining calendar this fall.